ASLEF today welcomed the decision by the Home Office to continue to include train drivers in the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme.

The decision follows a successful campaign by ASLEF, Members of Parliament and supporters to maintain existing arrangements whereby train drivers who witness or suffer trauma from suicide or trespass on the tracks are covered by the scheme.

The Home Secretary, David Blunkett, announced the decision in the House of Commons on Monday 14 June. ASLEF has congratulated ministers for meeting the union"s concerns and also thanked the ASLEF group of Labour MPs for their hard work in lobbying the Home Office.

The announcement follows a vigorous campaign by ASLEF that included a national day of action at mainline stations on the 26 May, making representation to the Home Office consultation and lobbying individual MPs.

The Home Office had been considering removing train drivers from the scheme claiming that it was an anomalous position.

An ASLEF spokesperson said: "This is important news for train drivers. The trauma or damage caused from witnessing a suicide can affect drivers and their families for years. We are very pleased that ministers have listened to our concerns.

"We are also very grateful to the support received from the ASLEF group of Labour MPs"."